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The following morning as they set out for Dublin, Alainn sensed the thick tension between the many men around her. Danhoul and Killian seemed to be at odds and had barely spoken to each other. Killian had infuriated her by keeping to himself the identity of who had caused his swollen, black and blue eye. It could have been any number of men for it appeared half the men who rode with them this day sported equal or worse appearances. She’d heard the brawl that had taken place, but she’d heeded Killian’s wishes and stayed put upstairs though she had to forcefully will herself to remain uninvolved.
Riley and Conner continued to throw nasty glares at each other at every opportunity, and something had transpired between the chieftains of Clan Gallagher and O’Neill. Brendan O’Leary seemed to be acting most secretive regarding something. He and Killian had been conversing privately and Killian had related none of this to her, so she could only conclude it was regarding a topic she would most likely disagree with. It would be a very long journey to Dublin though in actuality Killian assured her it should only take two days.
The next day and night went by without incident. When they stopped on the second night, Alainn sensed many of the men were eager to push on and ride through the night. The chieftains disagreed and Alainn was inwardly very relieved for she felt tired and irritable. Although the cold dampness of sleeping upon the ground had left her chilled, the thought of riding the entire night when she was shivering was equally unappealing. Though Killian had made certain she slept next to the fire with him next to her blocking the wind, he’d barely touched her during the first night save to put his arm around her in attempting to keep her warm. He was respecting her wishes completely, which left her feeling both lonely and guilt-ridden.
As they set up camp, Alainn began preparing the food that had been brought along. Though it was not expected she prepare the meal for the many men, she was thankful for the time spent close to the fire. She had felt an uncomfortable iciness set in her bones and could not grow warm for all her attempts. As she placed the salted venison over the fire, her hands trembled as she removed the biscuits they’d brought from the inn. They were beginning to grow hard and less than appealing, but she did not employ her magic in attempts to improve them. Neither had she used her magic to cause the cool dampness to dissipate. She’d been tempted, but she’d remembered the oath she’d pledged to Killian. If he could lie beside her and make no advances when she knew well how he longed to love her, she could resist her temptations to conjure her magical abilities.
The men were restless after they’d eaten. Some immediately took their blankets or sleeping sacks and attempted to sleep, but others sat near the fire and talked. Many partook in drinking the jugs of whiskey that had been brought with the supplies. Killian sat next to her near the fire, but it was evident he purposely kept some distance between them. Danhoul had eyed them suspiciously the last days and had surmised all was not well between them. Riley and Conner also seemed to be drawing that conclusion for they were accustomed to how affectionate the two of them usually were toward one another. It hadn’t escaped them how Killian’s mood was somewhat untypically uncongenial, and her own eyes held a distinct sadness.
“Why don’t you entertain us with a song, Alainn?” Riley suggested as he looked at her from across the fire.
“I no longer sing, Riley, but perhaps Danhoul might entertain the lot of you. He plays and sings well,” she absentmindedly spoke as she glanced at Danhoul and hoped she had not put him on the spot.
“Aye, if you want some musical entertainment, I’m not opposed to providing it.” Danhoul agreed.
Soon the young man played an array of songs on his fiddle. There were merry and lively tunes as well as heartfelt tender melodies. Alainn wrapped herself in her blanket and looked into the flames as she listened to the many songs. She noted once more the truly uncommon gifts Danhoul possessed in his voice and his musical ability.
“You should show the men how aptly you can do an Irish dance,” Riley suggested as he looked over at his cousin and saw the solemnness in her blue eyes.
“Do I, in any manner, appear as though I feel like dancin’, Riley?” she whispered trying to keep the cynicism from her voice, and Riley walked over toward them and sat beside Killian as Danhoul continued to play.
“What the hell is goin’ on between the two of you, then?” Riley asked, trying to keep his voice low so that only the two of them would hear.
“Tis hardly your concern.” Killian spoke for the both of them.
“I beg to differ, Killian. You and Alainn seem to feel free to continually offer me advice and criticism on my marriage. I want to know why you’re so quiet and somber, and Alainn appears to be on the verge of tears much of the time.”
“As I’ve said, ’tis not your concern.”
“Aye, well, I disagree. You’re both well important to me and even during the time after you lost your wee son I never heard you soundin’ so unsettled, Killian. Even when Alainn lived apart from you, you seemed hopeful you’d conquer any adversity and one day you’d be together. I thought all was well between you again until only recently. Whatever has happened, you must work through it. How can you possibly stand to see Alainn lookin’ so altogether maudlin, Killian? You must undo whatever has been done and make her smile again.”
Alainn turned to look into Riley’s dark eyes and for the first time, she truly realized how deep his feelings for her ran, and for Killian as well.
“Killian has done no wrong, Riley. What distances us now is entirely my doing. Please hold Killian accountable of no wrongdoing.”
“Christ, Alainn. Did you finally allow Danhoul to bed you, then?”
“I did not!” She sounded totally stunned he would believe that to be a possibility.
“You’re makin’ me feel so much better, cousin!” Killian sarcastically retorted.
Alainn attempted a smile as she looked up into Killian’s green eyes, and soon the tears silently slid down her cheeks. Killian gently pulled her to him and held her upon his lap. He wrapped his blanket around the two of them and tenderly whispered words of love to her as she wept quietly against his chest.
Riley looked at Killian with deep concern in his eyes.
“Is she with child, then?” he asked in a low voice.
Killian shook his head, and Riley continued to wear a disturbed look on his face obviously wanting to know why she was so melancholy.
Danhoul had kept singing though his eyes and his thoughts were on Alainn. He projected his thoughts to her and she heard them without question.
“You need your husband’s love, whether you are fearful of what the result might be or not. His touch heals you as surely as my blood. No one knows with any certainty what lies before them. Even you and I remain uncertain what our futures truly hold. So spend what time you have with your husband and the both of you will be stronger and happier for it. I believe we both are well aware there will be much unpleasantness ahead for all of us!”
Alainn glanced at Danhoul as she felt Killian’s strong arms around her and his heartbeat against her ear. Danhoul began another song and her heart squeezed even further. It was the farewell song. Months earlier she had sung it at a gathering of commonfolk back at Castle O’Brien. It had been on the eve of her intended wedding to another. She had sung it to Killian all the while believing they would never be together even though they were lovers and loved each other completely. Now they were together and yet she felt she was frittering away much of this time fretting about something they had little control over. And she missed lying with him, being loved by him and loving him as well. She gently touched her hand to his jaw and pulled his head to hers in a tender kiss.
“Take me deep into the woods, away from the others and make love to me, Killian, for I cannot bear to be parted from you any longer!” she whispered in his ear.
Killian’s arms tightened around her, but his green eyes held a sense of sadness and doubt.
“Do you suggest this only because you believe it is what I want?”
“I know it’s what you want, but ’tis what I desire as well!”
“And if our love creates a child?” he quietly inquired.
“Then you are correct in assuming it is God’s will and we will simply accept it as such and confront together what joys or sorrows might befall us!”
Riley had begun to smile as soon as he witnessed the amorous exchange between the two.
“I noticed an abandoned cottage not far from here. It is surely not in the best condition, but it would allow for some privacy.”
Killian’s eyes filled with hopefulness and he took Alainn’s hand.
They heard a few men making colorful comments and as Killian stood and then lifted her in his arms, many razzed him and asked where he was headed.
“I’m goin’ to make love to my wife. Have any of you a problem with that, then?”
A few laughed and others whistled and whooped.
“’Tis about time!” Collum O’Neill offered. “For if I had to listen to her teeth chatterin’ for another night, I might have been driven to warm her myself!”
“Not damnably likely!” Killian smiled as he carried Alainn into the woods.
Riley followed them and pointed out where the cottage could be located.
“Riley?” Alainn called out to him as he turned to go. “Thank you, cousin!” His face broke into a warm smile that was not often seen.
“Aye!” he simply said as he returned to the group and he noticed Danhoul sang a more cheerful song, and the mood of the entire group was much improved.
The stone cottage was old and abandoned as Riley had said. The door barely closed and cobwebs and dampness greeted them as Killian finally managed to close the rickety door. The dank earthen odor within the walls was strong to her sensitive sense of smell.
“If you can start a fire in the hearth I’d be appreciative.” Killian admitted.
“You’ll not hold me to my promise to use no magic, Killian?”
“No, Alainn. Not now, not here while we’re alone.”
She imagined the fire blazing and soon it was so. The room was small and what furniture had once filled the area had long since been broken and used for firewood. No bed was present and even the straw that had once served as a bed, was now gone.
“You mentioned you restored the round tower to its original state by placing a spell on the location. Could it be done here as well?” he asked as he looked into her beautiful azure eyes.
“Aye, if you wish it.”
He nodded and hoped none of the men had followed them or would be near this location. He felt certain Riley would not have allowed anyone to interrupt their time together.
She whispered and shivered as the dampness chilled her further.
He placed his strong arms around her as she spoke.
“As it was so shall it be, for with the spell of antiquity,
This cottage, this chamber, and all within
So it shall be, as it was then!”
Killian gasped aloud for no matter how often he saw her perform her magic, it always awed him. As he looked around he saw the cottage as it would have been the day it was built. The table and chairs smelled of freshly cut oak. The fire roared and a kettle of fresh stew bubbled over the peat logs in the hearth. And in the corner of the small room there stood the bed. It was a simple bed of straw and cloth, and the wooden frame was not grand or elaborate. The cottage surely had belonged to folk of low station, and Killian thought no other bed had ever looked as inviting to him.
Alainn glanced at him and noticed the deep need within his enchanting green eyes. She stepped closer to him and he encircled her in his arms. She wanted to cry, to shed tears of joy in having him with her again. She sensed his need was not only physical, but emotional and soulful, as was her own.
“Might I use my magic one more time this night then?” she requested.
He nodded. She closed her eyes and held her hands before her and the smell of her rose-scented soap filled the air. Though they remained clothed, the sensation of having freshly bathed overcame them both.
“That does save considerable time,” he stated in a low voice filled with arousal as he placed his arm to his nose and noted his skin was slightly damp and smelled clean.
She took his strong hand and led him toward the bed. The firelight cast a romantic glow on the entire room. She placed his hands upon the fastenings of her gown and looked deeply into his eyes.
“Are you certain, Lainna? Is it truly what you want?”
“Aye, it is, Killian!”
“For if you aren’t ready, if you only do this to appease my unsettled mood, or in attempt to make amends for our quarrel, I would not force this. I’ve thought on little else the last few days. If you want to use the herbs to prevent our creatin’ a child, I’ll not oppose you on it. I’m not sayin’ I agree with it entirely, but if it what you want I’d prefer it to our not bein’ together, for I’m heartsick and lonely not to mention completely lusting and yearnin’ to be with you in an intimate fashion.”
The appreciation and love in her eyes shone brightly. “Aye, Killian, it’s been on my mind much as well. I am ready, more than ready, I would suggest, for I have wanted you desperately these nights. And I do want to carry your child, Killian, more than you know. I cannot pretend I am not fearful, but I will not allow my fears to rule what we share. You were correct; what we share within our bed is immeasurably important to what we share within our hearts. We are young and healthy and deeply in love and ’tis what is meant for us to share.”
His hands trembled ever so slightly as he untied her gown, pushed it over her shoulders, and allowed it to fall to the floor. Her soft white chemise left her lovely silken arms exposed and her cleavage as well. He kissed her shoulders and breathed deeply as he inhaled her lovely feminine scent. He untied her hair and it fell softly to her waist. It glowed lustrously in the firelight and he kissed her passionately as he pulled her to him.
She felt his impressive hard body against her. She assisted him in removing his tunic and his muscular chest and arms glistened as he put his arms around her. Her hands went to his trews and she worked on the fastenings and then slid them down over his well-formed hips and buttocks. He moaned aloud as she did so and she hastily removed her chemise as well.
He smiled down at her with arousal present in his eyes. Her breasts against his skin reacted immediately. She emitted a tiny gasp as he fondled them so capably. As he bent to kiss them, his dark brown hair left her skin tingling as it grazed her shoulders.
He pulled back the freshly washed bed clothes and lifted her onto the bed. When he lay beside her she sighed in contentment and anticipation. Their heated bodies touched and were drawn to each other by a force as powerful as any other in nature. When their caresses had left them in a desperate state of passion, he positioned himself so they would soon be joined, but still he hesitated.
“Are you truly certain, Alainn?” he asked once more.
She took his hand and placed it between her thighs and her moistness surely indicated she was more than ready. But the memory of her asking him to terminate their joining only days ago left him uncertain.
When he made no further movement to complete the joining, she pushed him back upon the bed. In the seductive firelight, she straddled and mounted him with a grace and beauty that left him aching for her even as he filled her. She uttered an immediate series of moans of pleasure. She rode above him and his hands possessively touched her long hair and her breasts. He grasped her hips and lifted her and then brought her down with a force that caused her to scream out. And then he skillfully turned her so he was atop her without having ended the joining. He placed his hands beneath her buttocks and penetrated her deeper as his thrusts grew more urgent. Her body pulsated and such intense ripples of pleasure radiated throughout her body, she called his name over and over.
When she was certain he would soon give in to his release, he moved her yet again so that she was on her hands and knees and he entered her from behind. Once more she screamed out as he buried himself to the hilt within her. She screamed out for the pleasure was now mingled with a hint of pain for he was of a commendable size. But before the pain truly registered within her mind, she gave way to another quiver of pleasure. Again and again he pleasured her and in more ways and in as many fashions as she could have ever imagined. When he lay on top of her and his lips met hers in a thorough kiss, she pulled his hips to her and arched her own. She drove him deeper within her and cried out as his moans echoed her own. And as she felt his warmth released within her, she smiled at him and kissed him hard again. They fell asleep with their bodies entwined and their souls connected. They slept a sleep filled with utter peace they’d not known in many months.
In the morning after they’d made love once more, Alainn moved from the bed and began to dress. Killian lazily lay upon the bed unwilling to leave this perfect haven they had found. He watched her every movement, enthralled by her beauty as always.
“My God, you are beautiful, Alainn! Your loveliness never ceases to amaze me even after all this time. I thank you for last night.”
“And I you.” She smiled as he stood beside her and began to fondle her breasts yet again.
“Killian, sure the others are nearly ready to begin the journey. I suspect you’ll already meet much taunting and goading for having spent the entire night and half the morning here with me!”
“Aye, well they can chaff me all they like. I doubt any of them has ever been with a woman as lovely or as eager to please their husband as my sweet Lainna.”
With that, he pulled up the hem of her chemise over her hips and pushed his aroused manhood within her again and she gasped at the sudden manner he’d entered her.
“Killian!” she called out and he kissed her neck and gently pinched her breasts until she was soon panting and gasping and screaming out.
“I cannot get enough of havin’ you, Alainn. I want nothin’ more than to have you constantly. I’ve never known a need such as the one you fill me with.”
“My God, Killian, you are unusually virile and possess a stamina I’ve never heard tell of.”
“’Tis a shame we can’t stay here indefinitely, Alainn. I would far sooner spend the rest of my life here in this plain cottage, with no one around us, to be free to love you any time we desire it than to live in the finest castle owned by any chieftain or king.”
She could not answer him so great was her pleasure, she simply moaned and writhed beneath him and when he allowed himself to crest, her entire body was no longer capable of responding to anything or any sensation but him and his firm body.
She sighed deeply as he began to don his garments.
“Now you’ve caused my body to feel like melted butter, and my legs barely able to move, how am I to don my garments or function with any coordination whatsoever this day?”
He smiled at her and pushed his sword within its sheath.
“Your weapon is no less firm or impressive or no less perfect a fit within me,” she whispered in a sultry voice.
“Now that I’ve gotten you back into bed you seem less than eager to leave it!” He chuckled and placed a soft kiss on her lips and then on each of her exposed breasts.
“And that, milord, is not the best inducements for havin’ me leave your bed.”
“I smell food bein’ prepared, Alainn. Sure you’re hungry and ’tis certain by now we really must get movin’!”
“Aye.” She moaned with deep regret.
“But this night we’ll be in an inn, and I’ll make certain there’s a large tub for you so you might truly bathe!” he promised.
“Large enough that we might bathe together? Do you recall the sensation of making love within the warm water of the pond within the fairy glade, the feeling of your skin against mine, your body filling me, the only other sound but for our breathing was the waves against the shore?” She opened her blue eyes and raised her narrow eyebrows suggestively.
She looked at him and noticed through the thin fabric of his trews and tunic he was aroused once more. She smiled knowingly, pleased that her words had caused his body to become erect once more.
“Christ, we’ll never get out of this cottage at this rate!” He moaned and he removed the sword once more and unfastened his belt. “Well, we did enjoy the tasty stew in the middle of the night, so I’m not so very hungry and sure nibblin’ on your wee neck and lovely breasts will be far more enjoyable than the hard biscuits we’ve got waitin’ for us.”
She giggled and pulled him to her for a lengthy kiss. “I love you, Killian O’Brien. Every inch of you from your thick brown hair to your large warrior’s feet, and a good many inches in between I’m most especially fond of!” She grasped his manhood upon mentioning that and he moaned in appreciation.
“And what will I tell the others when I am no longer capable of movin’ this day?” he said as they coupled once more.
“Tell them your wife finally came to her senses and realized there is nothing more important to her than spending time within a bed with her man within her!”
“Maybe I’ll let you tell them that, my love. For I’d not want to appear boastful!”
She smiled once more as she gazed into his wonderfully green eyes now filled with undying love and undisputed passion.
